Group charts road to growth in EV industry

Drive Oregon, the trade group working to promote growth in the states electric vehicle industry, has reached agreement on a new strategic plan with the support of the governors office and Oregon Department of Transportation.

The strategic plan calls for: new financing mechanisms so large organizations fleets can move to electric vehicles (EVs); exploring ways to put charging stations in apartment complexes; instituting a $1,500 state tax credit for plug-in vehicles; allow EVs to use car-pool lanes; and a variety of other ideas.

The plan notes that 1,610 plug-in vehicles have been registered in Oregon, about 22 months after they were introduced here. Though modest, thats more than the 1,247 registered Priuses in Oregon at the same point after they were introduced here. There also are now some 800 charging stations for EVs in the state.

Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen will discuss the Energizing Oregon plan at a Drive Oregon event on Wednesday, March 6, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kells Irish Pub, 112 S.W. Second Avenue in downtown Portland.

The event is open to the public for a $25 charge, which includes appetizers and alcoholic beverages.